JUST SAY YES

Lake Forest mom and volunteer Kate Rother shares a few of her favorite things in advance of co-chairing annual fundraiser Antiques & Treasures, hosted by The Auxiliary of IWS Family Health’s Lake Forest Chapter, taking place on September 13.

For Kate Rother of Lake Forest, life has always been about staying curious, saying “yes” to new experiences, and surrounding herself with good people. “The kind who lift you up, push you out of your comfort zone, and help you become the best version of yourself,” adds the mother of three, avid traveler, and devoted community volunteer. The New Jersey native has built a life around “trying hard things,” as she and husband, Ron, did when they founded their Strive IT company. In fact, one Christmas, she tucked money she had saved inside a copy of The Polar Express with the message—“Just believe.” Even though the couple would ultimately sell the company they built from scratch, Rother says that story is a reminder that “sometimes you have to take the leap before you know exactly how it will all work out.” As mother of Piper, Graydon, and Thatcher, Rother is passionate about giving back to her adopted community and leaving things “a little better than she found them.” She has served on the board of Gorton Center and on the executive board of the Infant Welfare Society (IWS) of Chicago Lake Forest chapter. She also serves on the Honduras Agalta Valley Education Board and loves involving her children in volunteer work whenever possible—from Honduras to the Daufuskie Island Turtle Patrol Team in South Carolina, where the family has a second home. As Rother prepares to co-chair the 58th annual IWS Antiques & Treasures fundraiser on September 13 at the East Lake Forest Train Station, she was kind enough to share a few of her own favorite local gems. For more information about the IWS and this year’s Antiques & Treasures event, visit lakeforestiws.org.

Best thing you’ve found at Antiques & Treasures? The most wonderful man sold me a unique, three-part antique sterling silver serving dish that I use at every cocktail party. He has been coming to the event for many years, and I am crossing my fingers he will be there again this year. What are you most looking forward to right now? A father-daughter trip to Alaska with my 86-year-old dad. He and my mom had planned to take the trip together but did not get to it before she passed. He is especially excited to see the sled dogs, and we have both re-read Jack London’s The Call of the Wild to get ready.

Best-kept secret on the North Shore? When at Amidei Mercatino, tell Ermanno when you plan to eat what you are buying, and he will time the ripeness to perfection. Favorite local restaurant and go-to order? I love being greeted at Miramar by the huge smiles and the dripping candles on every table, no matter the time of day. My go-to order, without fail, is five Kumamoto oysters, tomato soup, niçoise salad, and a latte. Favorite Lake Forest/Lake Bluff summer tradition? Getting fresh-cut flowers at the Lake Bluff Farmers Market, then stopping for a latte in the alley and sitting at a table just a bit back from the street.

Book on your nightstand? I am re-reading Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. A dear friend gave it to me in December. I read it then, again for book club, and am now going back for round three. Dream vacation? Far in the future, I would love to be on safari in Kenya with my children and grandchildren. Piper is still in college and the boys are in high school, but someday. I truly believe there is nothing like an African safari, and I love Kenya.

Favorite thing to do in town with your teens? Grabbing food together, running into familiar faces, and getting those rare pockets of time when they actually want to talk. What do you miss about New Jersey? Pepperoni pizza from Sicilian Sun. It is the pizza I would get every Sunday growing up. I took Ron there years later, and he said, “Honey, don’t get your hopes up. It probably is not as good as you remember it.” But it was! Favorite restaurant in the city? Nobu. Everyone in our family loves their signature Yellowtail Jalapeño. Where do you go when you need an hour alone? I walk into the Lake Forest Library, admire the beautifully restored murals in the lobby, and then turn left into the quiet room. It is heaven to me. One thing you never leave the house without? Sparkling water with lots of ice in a Yeti cup. I constantly have one with me. What is in your AirPods right now? “Shanty” by Jonathan Edwards.